Day of Sucwentwécw

Day of Sucwentwécw 2023

The First People’s Principles of Learning are incorporated into the content of the BC Curriculum, as are the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action which call us to “integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.”

The Day of Sucwentwécw (Acknowledging One Another) is an annual initiative. This year it will be held on April 6, to recognize and celebrate the Secwépemc People (Secwepemcúl’ecw) and other Aboriginal people residing within the Secwépemc Territory.

This year’s theme, “Courage to Explore and Embrace Your Identity Which Involves Connection to Family, Community, and Culture,” is based on the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Aboriginal Worldviews and Perspectives. This is an opportunity for all schools to continue to embed the First People’s Principles of Learning, and to address the Calls to Action as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The day will be marked with a focus on the concept of gathering and presentations of learning in all district schools. There are a number of resources provided to teachers, including videos, some of which are posted below. 

Jackie Jules - Introducing the Day of Sucwentwécw

How to Say "Day of Sucwentwécw"

Bernice Jensen - Introduction to the Welcome Song

"The Welcome Song is our Secwépemc Song that is sung all over the Secwépemc Nation," said Bernice Jensen, Cultural Education Coordinator with the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.  "It welcomes all of us; it welcomes the people, welcomes Mother Earth and welcomes our ancestors.  The beat of the drums are the heart beat of the nations coming together strong and powerful.  It’s part of our ceremony and helps us connect to the creator to offer prayers of healing and to give thanks to all.  All My Relations."

Day of Sucwentwécw - Welcome Song

"In addition to our students performing the Welcome Song, our students had an opportunity to dress up in beautiful regalia and moccasins," said Rae Bennett, Aboriginal Education Worker. "In the Secwépemc cultures, only certain pieces of regalia were displayed while dancing to the Welcome Song. All the girls wore yokes, long skirts, leggings, moccasins, and accessories. Their hair accessories had feathers and beads that matched their regalia. The boy dancers each wore vests and moccasins. The drummers and singers wore the Secwépemc colours of the medicine wheel - black, white, red, and yellow."

Day of Sucwentwécw Knowledge Keeper Interviews with:  

Ronnie Jules, Elder Cstélen

Charlotte Manuel, Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc Elder

Fred Foriter, Simpcw First Nation Knowledge Keeper

Day of Sucwentwécw 2023 Poster Winner

As part of the celebration, a poster contest is held across the District to choose a design that will represent the theme of the year. This year’s poster contest winner is Peyton Morrissey, a grade 7 student from Juniper Ridge Elementary. Their artist statement is below:

My piece represents the Metis and Secwe'pemc cultures. The salmon represents respect, and it is one of the main spirit animals of the Secwe'pemc Nation.  I have the medicine wheel because it signifies Earth's boundary and the knowledge of the world, and it's also known as the Sun Dance Circle or Sacred Hoop. I also put in the Secwe'pemc flag and tied it to the shape of their territory.